Arsenal Targets Eli Junior Kroupi Amid January Transfer Buzz

The transfer market is still weeks away, but Europe’s heavyweights are already moving pieces on the board.

Arsenal have set their sights on Bournemouth’s rising star Eli Junior Kroupi, with the 20-year-old France Under-21 forward high on their attacking wishlist. The admiration is strong; the price is likely to be even stronger. Bournemouth are expected to demand a huge fee to even consider parting with one of their most exciting young talents.

While Arsenal look to the south coast, Real Madrid are casting their gaze towards Merseyside. The Spanish giants are weighing up a move for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. The 24-year-old England centre-back has already attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, and Madrid’s presence in the chase only ramps up the pressure on Everton ahead of the next window.

Over in west London, Chelsea are plotting another ambitious swing in the market. The club are keen to explore a £69m deal for Spain international Nico Williams. The 24-year-old Athletic Bilbao winger has been one of La Liga’s standout wide men, and Chelsea see him as a major piece in their long-term rebuild.

Arsenal, though, are not only looking at arrivals. They are also drawing a firm line in the sand over Martin Zubimendi. The club have no intention of selling the 27-year-old Spanish midfielder in January, shutting down any suggestion of a mid-season exit.

Spain’s two traditional powerhouses are also thinking ahead. Real Madrid and Barcelona have made fresh enquiries about American teenager Cavan Sullivan. The 16-year-old is set to join Manchester City from Philadelphia Union when he turns 18, but that has not stopped the Clasico rivals from checking in on one of the most talked-about young talents in the game.

Liverpool’s recruitment team, meanwhile, face a brutal reality if they want to land Brazilian prospect Rayan from Bournemouth. The 20-year-old carries a £130m release clause, and Liverpool will have to pay it in full despite manager Andoni Iraola’s past relationship with the midfielder from his time as Cherries boss. Sentiment will not bring the price down.

There is turbulence off the pitch for another high-profile name. Atletico Madrid and Argentina midfielder Julian Alvarez, 26, is considering leaving his long-term agent after a summer dominated by transfer speculation. With Arsenal and Barcelona among his admirers, his next move off the field could shape a major move on it.